Chi Kung

"all journeys begin with the first step..."  

Chi Kung (Qi Gong) or the art of energy, is a traditional Chinese way of keeping healthy.
It is a combination of breathing techniques, movement and visualisation.
In practice it is similar to T'ai Chi.
Chi Kung has been practised in China for at least 3000 years.
It is based on the concept of Chi energy: an all-inclusive 'life-flow' that is universal.
The essence of all Chi Kung is the balance of yin / yang within the body. Chi circulates through the body, along meridians, and the exercises are designed to stimulate all the organs of the body. Meridians are also the basis for Acupuncture and Massage (Jing Luo)
Over the years many systems have been developed which can be categorised into 5 types of Chi Kung each with a particular benefit for the practitioner: viz. Medical, Scholar, Buddhist, Taoist, and Martial.
Local classes in Chi Kung are based on exercises from different systems to give a complete body and mind workout. They include opening the body to Chi, bone marrow cleansing, and martial. Correct practice in these has been shown to lead to a general improvement in health and vitality as well as stimulating the mind.
Training in Chi Kung is both relaxing and exhilarating.